Diabetes Wake-Up Call: The Silent Epidemic

In this episode of Fat Science, Dr. Emily Cooper, Andrea Taylor and Mark Wright take on a troubling statistic—half of American adults are either diabetic or prediabetic, and for those with prediabetes, 8 in 10 don’t know it. Think about your own family. The odds are one in two of your loved ones are at risk.

The good news is diagnosing diabetes is easy, and in many cases it’s reversible. Dr. Cooper breaks down the tests you should get, the numbers to look for and the top treatments. Taking control of your diabetes risk just could save your life.

Key Takeaways:

• Diabetes affects nearly half of the U.S. population, with approximately 80% of prediabetes cases undiagnosed.
• Type 1 diabetes requires lifelong insulin therapy, while type 2 is often linked to genetic predisposition and lifestyle, with potential for reversal.
• Regular screening for glucose (blood sugar) and HbA1c levels (your long-term blood sugar average) is crucial for early detection of prediabetes and diabetes, applicable to both adults and children from age 10.
• Managing diabetes involves a comprehensive approach, including diet, exercise, lifestyle modifications, and medications like metformin and GLP1’s.
• Medications are not a failure but a crucial tool in preventing severe complications and maintaining a high quality of life.

Resources:

• Connect with Dr. Emily Cooper on LinkedIn.
• Connect with Mark Wright on LinkedIn.
• Connect with Andrea Taylor on Instagram.

Fat Science is a podcast on a mission to explain where our fat really comes from and why it won’t go and stay away. We are committed to creating a world where people are empowered with accurate information about metabolism and recognize that fat isn’t a failure. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice.

If you have a question for Dr. Cooper, send an email to dr.c@fatsciencepodcast.com. If you have a show idea, feedback, or just want to connect, you can also reach us us at info@diabesityinstitute.org.